At the request of GroenvermogenNL and Platform Talent for Technology, CE Delft and SEO Economic Research conducted a labour market survey to identify knowledge requirements with regard to green hydrogen. This study provides insight into the supply and demand for jobs in the hydrogen supply chain between 2024 and 2030, with a look ahead to subsequent years. This involves examining the upstream, midstream and downstream phases of the hydrogen chain. It addresses the required education levels, occupations and skills of personnel needed in the hydrogen chain over the next six years and beyond. We also elaborate on the potential supply of manpower from training courses, lateral entry and personnel from abroad for these hydrogen jobs.
The study shows that the total direct demand for manpower in the period 2024-2030 is about 38,000 FTEs. There are currently 1.2 million FTEs employed in relevant sectors for the hydrogen transition, and the annual inflow from training, lateral entry and personnel migration in recent years has been around 135,000 FTEs. However, the available supply of manpower is utilised by many sectors, not just the hydrogen sector. There is a significant shortage in the labour market, especially for technically skilled personnel. This limits the rate at which the hydrogen economy can be realised.